KR20160037132A - Compression-limiting ring link assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

The ring link assembly 10 includes a connecting ring 18 that includes an annular body defining a central opening, a bushing 16 that defines a central passageway and includes a bushing (not shown) 16, a compression restricting portion 14 disposed in the center passage of the bushing, and a first bushing restricting portion and a second bushing restricting portion 12 fixed to the compression restricting portion 14 at opposite ends. The first bushing restricting portion and the second bushing restricting portion 12 are reliably connected to the compression restricting portion 14 and the bushing 16.

Description

[0001] COMPRESSION-LIMITING RING LINK ASSEMBLY [0002]

Related application

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 857,873, filed July 24, 2013, entitled " Compression Limiter Assembly, " filed July 24, 2013, The entirety of the patent application is incorporated herein by reference.

Technical field

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to ring link assemblies, and more particularly to compression link ring assemblies.

In many vehicles, certain components are connected together using a ring link. For example, a ring link may be used to connect the suspension system to the stabilizer bar. The ring link may provide a stabilizer bar end link connecting and transmitting force between movable suspension components, such as a stabilizer bar, a lower control arm, a spring link, and the like. In such an application, the ring link carries a load between the suspension system and the stabilizer bar. Accordingly, the ring link enables stable cornering and reduced body roll. In contrast to directly bolting the stabilizer bar to the suspension system, the ring link allows additional articulation and provides flexibility in vehicle design.

A typical ring link assembly includes a main body having elastomeric bushings at opposite ends. Typically, each bushing is retained in the passageway by friction and compression of the rubber. Additionally, the outer retaining lip (lip) will be able to maintain the bushing in place. Known ring links include metal tubes that act as tube restraints and are joined to rubber bushings. Typically, the inner diameter of the bushing and the outer diameter of the tube restricting portion are generally cylindrical in order to allow press fitting. The bushing may be axially shifted relative to the tube restraint, or vice versa. Generally, the longer the tube rest portion, the greater the likelihood of such movement.

However, the movement of the bushing relative to the tube restraint will prematurely wear the bushing, erode the coating from the tube restraints, and allow the debris to penetrate between the bushing and tube restraints , Thereby causing undesirable noise and / or performance degradation.

A specific embodiment of the present disclosure provides a ring link assembly comprising a connecting ring including an annular body defining a central opening, a bushing defining a central passage, A bushing, a compression restricting portion disposed in a central passage of the bushing, and a first bushing restricting portion and a second bushing restricting portion which are fixed to the compression restricting portions at opposite ends. The first bushing restricting portion and the second bushing restricting portion are reliably connected to the compression restricting portion and the bushing.

The compression restricting portion may include at least one fixing member configured to be fixed to a portion of one or both of the first bushing restriction portion and the second bushing restriction portion. For example, each of the first bushing restriction and the second bushing restriction may include an end collar, and the fixation member (s) may be reliably adjacent the end collar such that the first bushing restriction and / The second bushing limiting portion may be fixed to the compression restricting portion.

In at least one embodiment, each of the first bushing restriction and the second bushing restriction may include at least one inner guiding member axially aligning the compression restriction within the central chamber. In at least one embodiment, each of the first bushing restriction and the second bushing restriction may include a tapered outer surface from a flared end to an end collar.

The first bushing restricting portion and the second bushing restricting portion cooperate to form a bushing retaining recess therebetween. The bushing may include an inwardly directed retention member that is held compressively within a bush retention recess. As one example, the inwardly directed retention member may be an inwardly directed annular ridge.

In at least one embodiment, each of the first bushing restriction and the second bushing restriction may include a barrier for restricting bushing. The bushing may be maintained between the bushing limiting barriers.

One or both of the outer surface and the inner surface of the bushing may be tapered inwardly from the opposite ends toward the central sleeve. Alternatively, one or both of the outer surface and the inner surface of the bushing may be straight, and thus may not include any taper, angle, or cant.

In at least one embodiment, the compression restricting portion may extend beyond both ends of the bushing. In addition, each of the first bushing restriction and the second bushing restriction may include an extension sleeve extending over at least a portion of the compression restricting portion.

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a ring link assembly comprising a bushing defining a central passageway, a compression restricting portion disposed within a central passage of the bushing, and a first portion secured to the compression restricting portion at opposite ends, A bushing limiter and a second bushing limiter. The first bushing restricting portion and the second bushing restricting portion are reliably connected to the compression restricting portion and the bushing. The first bushing restricting portion and the second bushing restricting portion prevent the bushing from being shifted in the axial direction with respect to the compression restricting portion.

1 illustrates a lateral exploded view of a ring link assembly for restricting compression, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2 shows a side view of a bushing secured within a ring link, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
3 illustrates a side view of a compression restricting portion disposed within a bushing secured within a ring link, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 4 shows a side view of a formed ring link assembly for constraining compression, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 5 illustrates opposite bushing constraints axially aligned with a compression constraint, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 6 shows a transverse cross-sectional view of opposite bushing constraints axially aligned with a compression restricting portion, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 7 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of bushing restraints secured with a compression restricting portion, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional side view of a formed ring link assembly for compression limiting, via line 8-8 in Figure 4, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 9 shows a transverse cross-sectional view of a ring link assembly for restricting compression, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 10 shows a cross-sectional side view of a ring link assembly for restricting compression, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 11 shows a cross-sectional side view of a ring link assembly for restricting compression, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 12 shows a transverse cross-sectional view of a ring link assembly for restricting compression, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
13 shows a cross-sectional side view of a ring link assembly for restricting compression, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 14 shows a cross-sectional side view of a ring link assembly for restricting compression, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
15 shows a cross-sectional side view of a ring link assembly for restricting compression, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 16 shows a cross-sectional side view of a ring link assembly for restricting compression, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
17 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a ring link assembly for restricting compression, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
18 illustrates a front perspective view of a link assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 19 shows a front view of a link assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Before an embodiment of the disclosure is specifically described, it will be understood that the application of the disclosure is not limited to the details of the configuration and the arrangement of the components described in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The disclosure may be made in other embodiments and may be practiced or carried out in various ways. It is also to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of " comprising "and " comprising" and variations thereof means that the article and its equivalents listed thereafter as well as additional articles and equivalents thereof are included.

Figure 1 shows a lateral exploded view of a ring link assembly 10 for restricting compression, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Ring link assembly 10 may include opposing end bushing restraints 12, compression restraints 14, central bushings 16, and connection rings 18. The bushing limiting portion 12 may be formed of metal or plastic and may be disposed at the opposite ends 20 and 22 of the ring link assembly 10. [ The compression restricting portion 14 may be, for example, a metal or plastic cylindrical tube. The central bushing 16 may be a resilient tubular member formed, for example, of an elastomeric material (e.g., rubber) through which the central passageway is formed. The ring 18 may be, for example, a ring of annular metal.

To form the ring link assembly 10, the bushing 16 is aligned with the central opening of the ring 18 in relation to the common longitudinal axis 24. The bushing 16 is then urged into the central opening of the ring 18 in the direction of the arrow 26.

Figure 2 shows a side view of the bushing 16 secured in the central opening of the ring 18. [ Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, the bushing 16 may include outward flared conical ends 28a and 28b connected to a recessed central sleeve 29. As shown in Fig. The outer diameter 30 of each end 28a and 28b may be greater than the inner diameter of the ring 18 forming the central opening. When the bushing 16 is pushed into the central opening, the leading end 28a may be bent compressively inwardly to pass into the central opening. As the leading end 28a passes through the center opening of the ring 18, the leading end 28a can be bent again into its rest position (and / or forced outwardly to be further secured with the bushing 16) , So that the ring 18 is reliably trapped on the central sleeve 29 between the ends 28a and 28b. After the bushing 16 is secured to the ring 18 the compression restricting portion 14 will be aligned with the central passage of the bushing 16 relative to the longitudinal axis 24. The compression restricting portion 14 may then be inserted into the central passage of the bushing 16 in the direction of the arrow 26.

Fig. 3 shows a side view of the compression restricting portion 14 disposed in the central passage of the bushing 16, which is then fixed in the central opening of the ring 18. Fig. 3, the compression restricting portion 14 may be loosely fitted into the central passage of the bushing 16. As shown in Fig. For example, the bushing 16 may not be reliably connected to the compression restricting portion 14 and / or may not hold the compression restricting portion 14 securely. 1 and 3, after the compression restricting portion 14 is disposed in the central passage of the bushing 16, the bushing restricting portion 12 is located between the opposite ends 32 and 34 of the compression restricting portion 14, And can be securely connected within the central passage of the bushing 16 to complete the ring link assembly 10. The bushing restriction 12 may first be secured over the opposite ends 32 and 34 of the compression restricting portion 14 prior to the compression restricting portion 14 being inserted into the central passage of the bushing 16. [ And may then be inserted into the central passage of the bushing 16.

Figure 4 shows a side view of a formed ring link assembly 10 for compression limiting, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the compression restricting portion 14 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 3) is not seen hidden by the outwardly flared end 36 of the bushing restraint 12.

FIG. 5 illustrates an opposing bushing constraint 12 axially aligned with a compression constraint 14, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 6 shows a transverse cross-sectional view of the axially aligned opposing bushing restricting portion 12 with the compression restricting portion 14. 5 and 6, the compression restricting portion 14 may include a tubular main body 38 having an inner diameter 42 forming an outer diameter 40 and a central channel 44. The inner diameter 42 of the tubular main body 38 may be greater than the inner diameter 42 of the outer diameter 40, The bushing restraint-securing member 46 may extend radially and outwardly from the outer surface of the main body 38, such as a retaining lock. The fastening member 46 may be a hemispherical nub, stud, bump, or other such protrusion. Alternatively, the anchoring member 46 may have various other shapes and sizes other than hemispherical. For example, the fastening member 46 may be a block. As shown, a plurality of fastening members 46 may extend outwardly from the main body 38. The fixing member 46 may be regularly spaced around the outer periphery of the main body 38. [ In addition, pairs of fastening members 46 may be spaced relative to one another with respect to the longitudinal axis 24. For example, the pair of fastening members 46 may include another fastening member 46 that is closer to the end 34, with one fastening member 46 being closer to the end 32. The longitudinally aligned fastening members can be separated by the space 47 such that the opposite end collar 50 (described below) of the opposing bushing restraints 12 is fixed You can have a span that allows you to More or fewer fixing members 46 may be used than shown. For example, instead of a pair of fastening members, a single fastening member 46 may be aligned in the midplane of the main body 38. Also, instead of the spaced protrusions, the fixation member 46 may be one or more annular ridges extending outwardly from the main body 38, or may include such one or more annular ridges.

Each bushing rest portion 12 includes an end collar 50 connected to the flared end 36 through an outer wall 52 that can extend outwardly from the end collar 50 to the flared end 36. [ . ≪ / RTI > As can be seen, the outer wall 52 may be tapered downward from the outer wall 52 to the end collar 50. A central chamber 54 is formed through each bushing restricting portion 12. The inner diameter 56 of the end collar 50 may be larger than the outer diameter 40 of the compression restricting portion 14. Accordingly, the end collar 50 will be able to slide over the outer surface of the compression restricting portion 14. The end collar 50 may provide an internal lead-in feature configured to direct the bushing restraint 12 onto and onto the outer surface of the compression restricting portion 14. The end collar 50 may also provide an internal guiding feature configured to guide the bushing restraint 12 into the inside diameter of the bushing 16.

Each flared end 36 may include an upwardly facing decorative bushing limiting barrier 58 such as a flange, rim or ridge or the like that is connected to a flat bearing surface 60. Bearing surface 60 may again be connected to an inwardly directed sleeve 62 extending into the central chamber 54. The inner diameter 64 formed by the sleeve 62 may be the same as the inner diameter 56 of the end collar 50. The inner diameter 64 of the sleeve 62 and the inner diameter 56 of the end collar 50 may be aligned longitudinally. For example, an inner diameter 64 and an inner diameter 56 may form part of a common longitudinal envelope formed about the longitudinal axis 24. The end collar 50 and the sleeve 62 may provide a guide member configured to guide and align the compression restricting portion 14 within the central chamber 54.

7 shows a transverse cross-sectional view of a bushing limiter 12 secured to a compression restricting portion 14, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the inwardly directed sleeve 62 and the end collar 50 of the bushing limit 12 align the compression restraint 14 with respect to the longitudinal axis 24 within the central chamber 54 . The sleeve 62 may be extended into the central chamber 54 by a longer or shorter distance than shown. For example, the sleeve 62 may be connected to the end collar 50, and a divot, groove, or other depression region may be formed proximate the end collar 50. A recess, groove, or other depression area may be configured to receive and retain the anchoring member 46 of the compression restricting portion 14.

As each of the bushing restraints 12 is slid over each end 32 or 34 of the compression restraint 14, when the end collar 50 is slid over the respective fastening members 46a and 46b, (And / or the compression restricting portion 14 can be deflected inwardly). The end collar 50 and / or the compression restricting portion 14 will be able to bend back to the rest position after the end collar 50 has been moved past the fixing members 46a and 46b so that the end collar 50 Is fastened to the fixing members 46a and 46b. Thus, the end collar 50 may be snapable or engageable with the fastening members 46a and 46b. The interface between the inner jaw 61 and the fixing members 46a and 46b prevents the bushing restriction portion 12 from being undesirably retreated on the compression restricting portion 14 and separated from the compression restricting portion 14 do.

As shown, the opposing end collar 50 of the opposing bushing restraints 12 may form a bushing retaining depression 63 therebetween. A portion of the bushing 16, such as an inwardly directed ridge, may be captured within the bushing retaining recess 63, thereby defining the compression restricting portion 14 and the bushing restricting portion 12 The bushing 16 can be reliably stabilized with respect to the bushing 16.

The end collar 50 and the flared end 36 of the bushing restriction 12 guide and align the compression restricting portion 14 within the central chamber 54, as shown and described. The fixing members 46a and 46b are fixed to the end collar 50 in order to ensure that the bushing limiting portion 12 is reliably connected to the compression restricting portion 14. [

FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view in a transverse direction of the formed ring ring assembly 10 for compression limiting, taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 4, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As described above, when the bushing 16 is pushed into the central opening 70 of the ring 18, the leading end 28a will be able to compressively inwardly flex to pass into the central opening 70. As shown, a ring 18 is secured onto the central sleeve 29 of the bushing 16 between the ends 28a and 28b. The bushing 16 also includes an annular ridge 72 (also referred to as a " bushing ") that is trapped within the bushing retention recess 63 between the outer surfaces of the opposing end collar 50 of the opposing bushing restraints 12 (Which extends inwardly into the central passage 73 of the bushing 16). At the same time the ends 28a and 28b are adjacent to the rim 58 of the flared end 36 to thereby securely capture the bushing 16 between opposing bushing restraints 12. The opposing bushing restricting portions 12 restrict the movement of the bushing 16 and thereby restrict the movement of the bushing restricting portion 12 and the compression restricting portion 14 along the direction of the arrows 80 and 82, Preventing, minimizing, or otherwise reducing the axial movement of the carrier 16.

Because the annular ridge 72 is trapped within the bushing retaining depression 63 between the end collars 50 the bushing 16 is moved in linear directions 80 and 82 parallel to the longitudinal axis 24 It can be prevented from sliding. Thus, the interface between the annular ridge 72 and the end collar 50 prevents the bushing 16 from escaping from the bushing restraint 12 and vice versa. Alternatively, instead of an adjacent annular ridge, a fixation member, such as a protrusion, as described above would be able to be spaced about the inner diameter of the bushing 16 and configured to be trapped between the end collar 50 .

Similarly, since the outer diameter of each barrier 58 is larger than the inner diameter of the bushing 16, the end edge 71 of the flared end 36 is brought into proximity to the barrier 58, Is fixed in position relative to the bushing restricting portion (12). The interface between the end edge 71 and the barrier 58 is such that the bushing 16 is moved in a linear direction 80 and 82 parallel to the longitudinal axis 24 with respect to the bushing restriction 12, . The interface between the flared end 36 and the barrier 58 will prevent the bushing 16 from escaping from the bushing restricting portion 12 and vice versa. Alternatively, instead of an adjacent annular ridge, a fixation member, such as a protrusion, as described above would be able to be spaced about the inner diameter of the bushing 16 and configured to be trapped between the end collar 50 .

Alternatively, the bushing limiting portion 12 may not include the barrier 58. Instead, the bushing 16 may be secured in position relative to the bushing restriction 12 by an annular ridge 72 that is trapped between the opposing end collar 50. Alternatively, the bushing 16 may not include any portion that is trapped between the end collar 50. That is, the bushing limiting portions 12 may not form a depression for holding the bushing therebetween. Instead, the bushing 16 is fixed in position relative to the bushing restriction 12 by the interface between the flared end 36 of the bushing 16 and the barrier 58 of the bushing restriction 12. [ .

The bushing 16 is secured into the central opening 70 of the ring 18, as described above. Further, the compression restricting portion 14 is fixed in the central chamber 54 of the bushing restriction portion 12, which is reliably connected to the bushing 16 again. Accordingly, the ring link assembly 10 for restricting compression will be formed.

Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional side view of a ring link assembly 90 for restricting compression, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The ring link assembly 90 is similar to the ring link assembly 10 except that the compression restricting portion 92 can extend beyond the outer end of the bushing 94. [ In addition, a parallel extension sleeve 96 may extend outwardly from the flared end 98. The extension sleeve 96 may be fixed on the extended portion of the compression restricting portion 92. The outer surface of the bushing restricting portion may be tapered, similar to the bushing 16.

Figure 10 shows a cross-sectional side view of a ring link assembly 100 for limiting compression, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the bushing 102 may include an outer flange 104 connected by a straight linear tube 106. The bushing 102 may not include an inwardly directed annular ridge and the opposing inner ends 110 of the bushing limiting portion 112 may be directly adjacent to each other No depression is formed). In such an embodiment, the bushing 102 may be reliably trapped between the outer barriers 116 of the bushing restrictor 112. [

The ring link assembly 100 may not include a bushing retention recess, such as a bush retention recess 63. [ Instead, a bushing 102 with a straight inner bore may be used for increased stiffness. The straight bore provides additional bushing compression compared to a tapered bushing (e. G., As shown in FIG. 8). 8) provides a space volume for allowing the elastomeric bushing to flow therethrough, thereby providing a low precompression (e. G., ≪ RTI ID = ). In addition, the outer surface of the bushing 102 may comprise a straight outer surface or a tapered outer surface.

In addition to the radial rate, the bushing may also indicate the conical rate that is induced when the bushing is segmented out of the axis vertically for normal bushing rotation. The cone ratio of the bushing may be tuned by one or more angles of the bushing limiter, the ring link, and / or the bushing. For example, a bush limiter with a linear outer diameter would have a smaller cone ratio than a restrictor with a taper such as a 5 [deg.] Taper.

As shown in FIG. 10, the ring link assembly 100 includes a generally straight bore bushing 102. The straight bore bushing 102 may be used, for example, for increased stiffness applications.

Figure 11 shows a cross-sectional side view of a ring link assembly 120 for limiting compression, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The ring link assembly 120 may be coupled to the ring link assembly 120 except that the ring link assembly 120 may include an elongated compression restricting portion 121 and a bushing restricting portion 122, Assembly 100 is similar.

Figure 12 shows a cross-sectional side view of a ring link assembly 130 for limiting compression in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The ring link assembly 130 is similar to the ring link assembly 100 shown and described with respect to FIG. 10, except that the ring link assembly 130 may include a bushing 132 having a tapered outer surface. Do.

13 shows a cross-sectional side view of a ring link assembly 140 for limiting compression, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The ring link assembly 140 may be configured to include a ring link assembly 140 and a ring link assembly 140, Assembly 130 is similar.

Figure 14 shows a cross-sectional side view of a ring link assembly 150 for limiting compression, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The ring link assembly 150 is similar to the ring link assembly 10 shown in Fig. 8, except that the ring link assembly 150 can include a bushing 152 having a straight bore.

Figure 15 shows a cross-sectional side view of a ring link assembly 160 for restricting compression, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The ring link assembly 160 may include a ring link assembly 160 and a ring link assembly 160 as described above with respect to Figure 9, Assembly 150. < / RTI >

Figure 16 shows a cross-sectional side view of a ring link assembly 170 for limiting compression, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. A bushing 172 may include an inwardly directed annular jaw 174 that may be captured between the end collar 176 of the opposing bushing restraints 178 . Each bushing restricting portion 178 may also include an outer planarized barrier 180, such as a rim, that is not adjacent to the bushing 172. Alternatively, bushing 172 and / or bushing restricting portion 178 may be sized and shaped such that barrier 180 is adjacent to bushing 172.

The barrier 180 may be taller when compared to the barrier 58 described above. Thus, the barrier 180 provides an increased bearing surface 181 that can abut the larger surface of the other component.

Additionally, the bushing 172 may include a stationary member 182, as described above. The fastening member 182 may, for example, include an inclined surface. In one example, the anchoring member 182 may be a pyramid that extends outwardly from the bushing 172.

Figure 17 shows a cross-sectional side view of a ring link assembly 190 for restricting compression, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The ring link assembly 190 is similar to the ring link assembly 170 except that the barriers 192 can be extended to form an inner space. Accordingly, the barrier 192 may not be a flattened piece of material, but instead may be, for example, an extended block.

Referring to Figs. 1-17, bushing restraints, compression restraints, and bushings of varying shape and size may be utilized, thereby providing a modular ring-link assembly. The common connection interface enables, for example, interchange of bushing limits, bushings, and compression limits.

18 shows a front perspective view of link assembly 200, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The link assembly 200 includes a main body 212 that includes a link link assembly 214 that is connected to another ring link assembly 216 (at the opposite end of the main body 212) You can do it. Ring link assemblies 214 and 216 may be any of those described above.

19 illustrates a front view of a link assembly 220, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Link assembly 220 includes a ring link assembly 222 such as any of the ring link assemblies described above coupled to linking member 224 such as a grommet through a linear shaft 226 It will be possible.

Referring to Figures 1 to 19, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a ring link assembly for compression limiting. The ring link assembly may minimize, eliminate, prevent, or otherwise reduce the shift, movement, or other such movement of the bushing. Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure prevent premature wear and tear of the bushing. In addition, embodiments of the present disclosure prevent debris invasion and, for example, minimize or otherwise reduce undesirable noise.

Although various spatial and directional terms such as top, bottom, bottom, middle, lateral, horizontal, vertical, and forward can be used to describe embodiments of the present disclosure, Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > orientation. ≪ / RTI > Such orientation may be reversed, rotated, or otherwise altered, such that the upper portion can be the lower portion, vice versa, the horizontal can be vertical, and so forth.

Modifications and variations of the foregoing are within the scope of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that the embodiments disclosed and described herein extend to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or apparent in the text and / or figures. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present disclosure. Known best mode for practicing the disclosure will be described through the embodiments described herein, and those skilled in the art will be able to make use of the disclosure. The claims shall be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.

To the extent that they are used in the appended claims, the terms "comprising" and "herein" are used as generic equivalents of the respective terms "comprising" and "in this instance". Also, to the extent used in the following claims, terms such as "first", "second", and "third" are used merely as labels, It is not intended. Further, the limitations in the following claims are not to be construed as a means-plus-function format, and such claim limitations should clearly state that the phrase "means to" Unless you use it and until you use it explicitly, 35 USC It should not be interpreted on the basis of § 112 (f).

Various features of the disclosure are set forth in the following claims.

Claims (20)

A ring link assembly comprising:
A connecting ring comprising an annular body defining a central opening;
A bushing defining a central passageway, the bushing being held within the central opening by the connecting ring;
A compression restricting portion disposed in a center passage of the bushing; And
A first bushing restricting portion and a second bushing restricting portion which are fixed to the compression restricting portions at opposite ends,
Wherein the first bushing restricting portion and the second bushing restricting portion are securely connected to the compression restricting portion and the bushing. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the compression restricting portion includes at least one securing member configured to be secured to a portion of one or both of the first bushing restricting portion and the second bushing restricting portion. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein each of the first bushing restriction and the second bushing restriction includes an end collar and the at least one fixing member is reliably adjacent to the end collar so that the first bushing restriction portion and the second bushing restriction portion, And the restricting portion is fixed to the compression restricting portion. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein each of the first bushing restriction and the second bushing restriction includes at least one inner guiding member axially aligning the compression restricting portion within the central chamber. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein each of the first bushing restricting portion and the second bushing restricting portion includes an outer surface tapered from a flared end portion to an end collar. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein said first bushing restriction and said second bushing restriction cooperate to form a bushing retaining bore therebetween, said bushing including an inwardly directed retaining member held compressively within said bushing retaining recess Lt; / RTI > The method according to claim 6,
Wherein the inwardly directed retaining member comprises an inwardly directed annular ridge. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein each of the first bushing restriction and the second bushing restriction includes a barrier for restricting bushing and the bushing is retained between the bushing limiting barriers. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein one or both of the outer surface and the inner surface of the bushing are tapered inwardly from the opposite ends toward the central sleeve. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein one or both of the outer surface and the inner surface of the bushing are straight. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the compression restricting portion extends beyond both ends of the bushing. 12. The method of claim 11,
Wherein each of the first bushing limiting portion and the second bushing limiting portion includes an extension sleeve extending over at least a portion of the compression restricting portion. A ring link assembly comprising:
A bushing defining a central passage;
A compression restricting portion disposed in a center passage of the bushing; And
A first bushing restricting portion and a second bushing restricting portion which are fixed to the compression restricting portions at opposite ends,
Wherein the first bushing limiting portion and the second bushing limiting portion are reliably connected to the compression restricting portion and the bushing, and the first bushing restricting portion and the second bushing restricting portion are configured such that the bushing is restricted to the compression restricting portion To be axially displaced relative to one another. 14. The method of claim 13,
Wherein each of the first bushing restriction portion and the second bushing restriction portion includes an end collar and at least one fixing member is snapably fixed to the end collar so that the first bushing restriction portion and the second bushing restriction portion are engaged with the compression restriction Wherein the ring link assembly is secured to the housing. 14. The method of claim 13,
Wherein each of the first bushing restriction and the second bushing restriction includes at least one inner guiding member axially aligning the compression restricting portion within the central chamber. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein said first bushing restriction and said second bushing restriction cooperate to form a bushing retaining bore therebetween, said bushing including an inwardly directed retaining member held compressively within said bushing retaining recess Lt; / RTI > The method according to claim 1,
Wherein each of the first bushing restriction and the second bushing restriction includes a barrier for restricting bushing, the bushing being retained between the bushing limiting barriers. A ring link assembly comprising:
A connecting ring comprising an annular body defining a central opening;
A bushing defining a central passageway, the bushing being held within the central opening by the connecting ring;
A compression restricting portion disposed in the center passage of the bushing; And
A first bushing restricting portion and a second bushing restricting portion which are fixed to the compression restricting portions at opposite ends,
Wherein the compression restricting portion is configured to be fixed to a part of one or both of the first bushing restricting portion and the second bushing restricting portion and wherein the first bushing restricting portion and the second bushing restricting portion are fixed to the compression restricting portion, Wherein the first bushing restriction and the second bushing restriction prevent axially shifting the bushing with respect to the compression restricting portion, and wherein the first bushing restriction and the second bushing restriction (A) an end collar, wherein at least one holding member engages the end collar to secure the first bushing restricting portion and the second bushing restricting portion to the compression restricting portion, (b) At least one inner guide member axially aligning the compression restricting portion within the central chamber, and (c) a bushing restricting barrier, wherein the bushing is retained between the bush limiting walls Wherein the bushing limiting barrier comprises a bushing limiting barrier. 19. The method of claim 18,
Wherein said first bushing restriction and said second bushing restriction cooperate to form a bushing retaining bore therebetween, said bushing including an inwardly directed retaining member held compressively within said bushing retaining recess Lt; / RTI > 19. The method of claim 18,
Wherein the compression restricting portion extends beyond both ends of the bushing and each of the first bushing restricting portion and the second bushing restricting portion includes an extension sleeve extending over at least a portion of the compression restricting portion.

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